NEW DELHI, AUG 24: �India has requested the European Union (EU) to exclude ayurvedic products from the proposed directive on traditional herbal medicinal products (THMPD). The directive, when implemented, would result in acceptance of only those medication which have been in use in Europe for at least 15 years.

In a letter to EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson India�s commerce and industry minister Kamal Nath said that this directive would become a barrier to trade since it straightaway removes ayurvedic medicines from consideration, which have been in use in India for centuries but which may not have found a place in Europe 15 years ago. The directive is to be implemented from October.